Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation Team
David Gourlay
Chief Executive Officer
David joined the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation in 2020 as Director and then in 2021 was appointed as the VP of Philanthropy. This appointment fits a career that is characterized by a passion for people, relationships and building the community he was born, raised and lives in – Ottawa.
David had a 10+ year in the private sector following a 15-year career in the Government of Canada and the City of Ottawa. David’s commitment to community is important to him and he has served on the Board of Directors for the Ottawa Public Library, the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation and the Ottawa Sport Council. David established the Ottawa Champions Baseball Club and proudly co-founded the Miracle League of Ottawa to provide children with special needs a fully accessible and inclusive baseball facility in Orleans.
In June 2009, David received an Ottawa Business Journal “40Under40” Award and in 2014, David became a Member of the Order of Ottawa as recognized by Mayor Watson for his contributions to the local community.
In 2022, David was recognized as AFP Ottawa’s Outstanding Fundraising Executive.
David lives in Kanata with his wife Danielle and their two children.
Meighan Hartley, CFRE
Director, Philanthropy
Born and raised in Alberta, Meighan has been a community-oriented individual from the get-go.
Since relocating to Ottawa in 2002 to obtain her bachelor’s degree at the University of Ottawa, Meighan went on to develop and hone her fundraising skills by completing her post-graduate studies in Volunteer and Resource Management at Georgian College.
Meighan also attained her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) in June 2023.
Having spent the last 19 years in the non-profit and charitable sector, Meighan is committed to supporting the Ottawa community in her professional life, while lending her spare time to various efforts and initiatives across the region.
Meighan has always enjoyed working in the realm of donor relations and annual giving. She has a passion for writing, ethical storytelling, and relationship building, while connecting donors to projects that strongly align with their personal interests.
Corey Roberge
Database & Gift Processing Coordinator
Born and raised in Ottawa, Corey studied at Carleton University and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Communications & Media Studies, along with a Minor in English Literature Studies. Following his time there, he spent a brief period working as a civil servant for the Federal Government, before moving on to Shepherds of Good Hope. He handles the processing of gifts through the foundation, and likely if you’ve called in to donate, then he’s the one you’ve spoken to!
On his time off he enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with his friends.
Temitayo Sharon Adunmo
Coordinator, Donor Stewardship & Community Events
Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria. Sharon relocated to Ottawa in 2021 to complete her master’s degree in Feminist and Gender Studies, after completing her undergraduate degree in Social Justice from Nigeria. Sharon started as a volunteer at the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation and her hard work led her to being hired to the Foundation. She loves spending time speaking with people and learning from them and giving back to the community. While at work, you can find Sharon corresponding with donors and community partners, providing information and support to individuals and corporations contacting the foundation.
In her free time Sharon enjoys reading and has her own book club dedicated to African and feminist literature. She’s also a self-declared eat-all-a-tarian who enjoys napping.
Sandra Obaji
Administrative Coordinator
Born and raised in Owerri, Nigeria. Sandra moved to Ottawa in 2022 to pursue a Master’s degree in Business Analytics, specializing in Technology Innovation Management.
Her journey led her to Shepherds of Good Hope, where she began as a frontline staff member. Driven by a deep commitment to community impact, she advanced to the role of Assistant Manager before taking on the role of Administrative Coordinator at the foundation.
In her current position, Sandra effectively manages in-kind donations, oversees the reception line, and ensures the smooth operation of the office.
Outside of work, she enjoys cherished moments with her children, indulging in movies and favorite shows.
Schwab Bakombo
Coordinator, Grant Development
Born in Kinshasa, in the DRC, Schwab moved to Canada in 1990.
He earned an Honours bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences from the University of Toronto and a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from the University of Ottawa.
Schwab has passionately worked with the SGH (Hope Living in Kanata) as an Unregulated Care Provider since January 2019, until September 2023 when he joined the Foundation.
At the Foundation, he works with the team, while developing new Grant applications, and contacting past donors to build rapport and continuity. He is an avid reader, a thinker, and enjoys philosophical debates with family and friends.
Schwab enjoys spending time with his family and friends, outdoor barbecues, and loves interacting with people from all walks of life.
Amber Brannan
Manager, Philanthropic Relationships
Hailing from a friendly little town in the Ottawa Valley, Amber has always enjoyed meeting new people and creating relationships that last a lifetime.
With over a decade of charitable fundraising experience, Amber has worked both in the private and nonprofit sectors – but her true passion is connecting community members and corporations to the causes and programs they believe in. She knows that ending chronic homelessness in our city is entirely possible and is honoured to work with the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation to help make that goal a reality.
In her spare time, you’re likely to find Amber travelling, exploring her neighbourhood of Little Italy, hunting for vintage treasures, enjoying live music, or relaxing in her hammock in the arboretum.
Emma Bernans
Senior Manager, Philanthropy
Born and raised in Chatham, Ontario, Emma is passionate about making an impact in her community. As the daughter of two dedicated educators, she learned the value of service and compassion from an early age and is excited to bring her experience and knack for relationship-building to the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation.
Having spent the last 13 years in the charitable sector working closely with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals, Emma looks forward to creating meaningful opportunities for people to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Ottawa.
Emma’s personal values, her commitment to ethics and transparency, and her ability to foster long-term relationships align perfectly with the Shepherds’ mission and vision of Homes for All, Community for All, Hope for All.